Man
Machine's '614 patent, titled " Man Machine
Interface via Display Peripheral" is directed to a
remote control device for making selections on television or
computer screens. Claim 1 requires that the body of the
device be " adapted to be held by the human hand."
Claim 1 also requires a multi-function " thumb switch
being adapted for activation by a human thumb." The
thumb switch, which controls cursor movement and object
selection on the screen, includes an annular switch (4)
including four switches that surround a center switch (3), as
shown below in Figure 2A.

(Image Omitted)

'614 patent Fig. 2A.

Claim
1, which is representative of the challenged claims, reads as
follows:

1. A remote control device adapted for use by a human to
control and select from a screen, the screen including a
plurality of choices and a cursor, the remote control device
comprising:

a body adapted to be held by the human hand, the
body having a top side and a bottom side;

a thumb switch positioned on the top side of the body,
the thumb switch being adapted for activation by a human
thumb, the thumb switch being adapted to perform
multiple functions;

wherein the thumb switch includes a center switch, an annular
switch, and a cover plate, the annular switch including only
four switches and the cover plate covers the four switches,
wherein the annular switch surrounds the center switch, the
annular switch ...

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